So update, I released it under the Bush, checked on it after 30, 60 and 90 mins it was just frozen still so I have recaptured it and put it back in the garage. I sneaked up to check on it and it was eating then started running around.
What do I do now? Xx
Well -
I would say there are several options (although some will disagree with the final option))
You can try again but release it much nearer to the place you found it - try in the dusk or early evening - but not so late you cant find it again if its 'frozen' with fear
Or you can (if possible) leave it to refuel and re water overnight in the hutch or in a box in the hutch and then - when you are sure it is healthy - you can transport it in the hutch (if possible ) or box, to the place it was found and leave the hutch open (so it can creep out in its own time)
This is technically the same as above but gives it a chance to refuel first and then also decide whether it wants to hop off or not
Or if it stays frozen again or appears in any other way in shock, and unlikely to survive if loosed again, you can either release anyway knowing it will probably die (as it would in nature and was doing in the pond)
or you can ring the wildlife centre and see if they do soft release IN ADULT GROUPS in an area where the groups are known to be able to create successful warrens. If they say they will just take it and release it in a field somewhere I really would not bother to take it to that particular wildlife centre - personally I feel that thay must for success say they do release in groups and be able to prove the success of this strategy.
The final option I will offer is technically illegal but personally I would consider if the bun is happy with being handled and relatively young, and that is to provide it with a large enclosed area and hutch/shelter whilst it grows and also grows in confidence - with a view to it becoming semi domestic. However I know many people do not agree with this and feel that total freedom is an over arching priority.
I have three wildies - for various reasons - two hand reared and one that just 'appeared' in a city centre in the middle of a day (one suspects someones dog had caught it and they just released it) - all three live happily here - but keeping wildies is contenscious issue. Some rabbit rescues also take in wildies.
The fact that it stayed in one place for 90 mins AND allowed itself to be caught again suggests to me it is either in shock or poss unwell and I would say that release again today is unlikely to be the best thing. That is my personal opinion.